The Brad Kaminsky Foundation (TBKF) has won the distinction of being named Charity of the Year for Washington, D.C., by StayClassy. TBKF now moves onto the national round in California to compete with charities from seven other U.S. cities for the Classy Award and title of National Charity of the Year.

The Classy Awards are sponsored by StayClassy.org, an innovative outlet for non-profit organizations. The awards recognize the philanthropic work of charitable foundations, businesses, and individuals. Awards are given in one of ten categories including Charity of the Year, Small Charity of the Year, and Most Creative Awareness Campaign. The Charity of the Year winner will receive a $25,000 prize, while other winners will receive $10,000. Presented in downtown San Diego on November 7, the Classy Awards are the Academy Awards of philanthropy.

TBKF went up against 10 other Washington, D.C. based charities in the first round of online voting. First round voting took place from October 9 through October 22. The final stage of voting is happening now and will continue through November 5.

Lisa Millar, founder of TBKF, said, “We are so honored to represent the brain tumor and cancer community and to be able to increase much needed awareness. We are fighting for everyone touched by cancer and for all the angels taken too soon.”

DC Candlelighters, an organization for childhood cancer awareness and support was also awarded Small Charity of the Year for Washington, D.C. The DC Candlelighters an all-volunteer charity that supports families of children fighting cancer and was started by families whose own children had been diagnosed with cancer.

TBKF was born out of love, by Lisa Millar, for her 29-year-old brother who died from a brain tumor and for her need to avenge the disease that took him. TBKF co-founded a national branding and unification movement to join all those working towards a cure for brain tumors. Over 71 non-profits have united under the Heroes of HopeGrey Ribbon Crusade campaign. TBKF, along with its many D.C. Metro events, including their Kids Helping Kids event for Pediatric Cancer Awareness, is developing a new project that will motivate and guide members of communities to join together and do their part to help put an end to all cancer.

Both The Brad Kaminksy Foundation and DC Candlelighters are founded by women whose personal lives have been impacted by cancer. These charities are informing and motivating our communities to get involved and raise awareness to beat cancer.